CABINET has approved a framework for the revised operations of some secondary schools for the period 2022-2027.
In a statement on Tuesday, the Ministry of Education said the objective of the framework was to increase student achievement and equity of educational opportunity.
Data collected by the ministry over the last ten to 15 years shows that an average of 47 per cent of students left school annually without achieving certification in at least five CSEC (Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate) subjects, inclusive of maths and English.
"This greatly limits their ability to continue to tertiary education and find jobs above minimum wage."
The ministry said other studies done over the years had explored the link that existed between educational achievement, reliance on the government’s support network, and crime.
"This has serious economic, social and security implications."
The ministy's data showed that less-than-optimal conditions at some secondary schools have had an impact on the students at those schools.
Those conditions include greater than 60 per cent SEA (Secondary Entrance Assessment examination) intake with scores under 50 per cent, parents with low socioeconomic circumstances and critical school infrastructure in need of repair.
While the ministry said its vacation revision programme would help in providing additional academic and psychosocial support to students who needed it, a more organised, sustained and sustainable systemic approach to school operation was required in some schools to "change their current trajectory with respect to student output."
On July 1, Education Minister Dr Nyan Gadsby-Dolly said the remedial programme would deal with 9,000 students who scored under 50 per cent in the SEA exam and, as such, would not be adequately prepared for secondary school.
The ministry said principals of selected schools and other education stakeholders such as the TT Unified Teachers’ Association (TTUTA) and the National Parent-Teachers’ Association (NPTA) were consulted on the issues.
The stakeholders shared their experiences and made recommendations on issues such as mitigating school indiscipline and generating a positive school culture.
The recommendations were included in the ministry's framework.
Specific recommendations are to be implemented on a phased basis and will be aligned with the unique characteristics of selected secondary schools.
The Education Ministry will partner with other government ministries to implement the recommendations which related to leadership, security and discipline.
The security recommendation focuses on things such as increased school patrols, full complement of security officers at schools and the assignment of community police officers to schools.
"Some of these initiatives are already ongoing in schools."
The detailed implementation of other initiatives require further discussions with education stakeholders.
The ministry said the public would be further updated in due course about the secondary schools that will fall und
